Five Tips for Safe Holiday Decorating
This time of year, we’re all looking for ways to make our homes look festive and inviting. If you aren’t careful, decorating is also dangerous. So before you get started on your holiday decorating, here are some important tips to keep in mind:
Inspect Holiday Lights
Be sure to inspect holiday lights each year for frayed wires, bare spots, gaps in the insulation, broken or cracked sockets, and excessive kinking or wear before putting them up.
If you have any concerns about the condition of your holiday lights, consider replacing them before use.
Don’t Overload Electrical Outlets
You’re going to want to use all of those lights you bought, but be careful not to overload the electrical outlets. Connect no more than three strands of mini string sets and a maximum of 50 bulbs for screw-in bulbs (not including the extension cords). Read the manufacturer’s instructions for a number of LED strands to connect.
Avoid Lit Candles as Decoration
Sometimes, we neglect to extinguish candles before leaving the room or going to sleep. This is dangerous and it is important to remember that fire does not need much encouragement to spread. We recommend keeping a fire extinguisher in the kitchen, particularly if you have children at home.
If you must use candlelight for your holiday decorating, opt for battery-operated candles instead of real ones. These are safer and just as beautiful!
Decorate Away from Windows & Doors
When decorating, it's important to keep decorations away from windows and doors. If you have a tree in the room, make sure it doesn't block any entryways or exit paths. Don't drape things over candles that are lit; they easily catch on fire! Also, remember to keep all of your decorations out of reach of children and pets. You don't want them getting tangled up in wires or pricked by sharp objects like needles or hooks. Finally, make sure that any flammable materials like clothing (especially synthetic fiber) are nowhere near your lights so that they don't accidentally catch on fire!
Keep Decorations Away From Heat Sources
In the event of a fire, these distant decorations hopefully remain safe. While it may be hard to tell what is combustible and what isn't, here are some tips to help you keep your home safe:
Keep combustible decorations at least three feet from heat sources like fireplaces, portable heaters, radiators, heat vents, and lights.
Extinguish candles before leaving the room or going to sleep.
Keep decorations away from windows and doors where they can catch on fire when someone passes by with their cigarette or cigar.
Decorate Safely this Season!
Don't let your holiday décor get the best of you. Before you start decorating, take a moment to follow these safety precautions:
Use only approved lights. Check the labels on each strand or bulb to make sure they're UL-listed and in good working order. If not, dispose of them immediately, and don't use them again until they have been replaced.
Replace worn or broken cords with new ones that are rated for outdoor use (such as those made out of rubber). If you have older lights without plugs on the ends of their cords, consider replacing them entirely with plug-in LED strands instead. These are easier to store away after Christmas if they don't fit into your decorating scheme next year!
Keep decorations away from heat sources like fireplaces and radiators; this helps reduce the risk that something catches fire when left alone during the holidays
We hope that this article helps you and your family have a safe and happy holiday season. Remember, if you have any questions about decorating for the holidays, don’t hesitate to contact your local fire department or emergency management office. They are there to help!